Manuel Charr suspended, stripped of WBA title despite protest

Manuel Charr released a lengthy statement last week containing what the says is proof he’s a clean athlete.

Despite testing positive for TWO separate banned substances, Charr was adamant a VADA letter cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Within 48 hours, Charr was suspended by the WBA for six months, losing his ‘regular’ title in the process.

Charr had the following when posting an accompanying letter from VADA: “On 29th September, my title defense against Oquendo was planned. As you all noticed, the fight was canceled because of suspected doping.

“I have always emphasized that I knowingly did not consume any prohibited substances. My investor Christian Jäger thinks that too and stands behind me.

“Therefore, we decided to have a new independent doping control done promptly and got an appointment from VADA. This took place on September 29th, the actual day of the fight.

“I have promised you that I will openly deal with the VADA result. This morning I received an email from my lawyer with the result. NO DOPING could be proven, so I am ‘clean’.

“How did the result of the A-Sample come about? The previous result is due to over-the-counter supplements in Germany that I have consumed for a while.

“I was totally unaware that they contained ingredients that violated anti-doping rules.

“Together with my team and my lawyer, I have done everything in recent weeks to actively participate in the reprocessing process.

OQUENDO

“From our point of view, there is no doubt that I am the reigning WBA world champion and that I am entitled to this title. And, of course, to defend it.

“A few days ago my team and I went to Bulgaria and met with representatives of Fres Oquendo. A new fight will take place in the first half of 2019, from our point of view.

“We now expect a positive confirmation of the fight date from the WBA. I am still preparing for the fight and I am pleased to be able to defend my title soon,” he concluded.

All Charr’s hopes have now gone up in flames. Jarrell Miller has since emerged as a favorite to contest the vacant strap with Oquendo in 2019.